Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Assess the Effectiveness of Hybrid Psychiatric Visits.

OBJECTIVE: Little empirical evidence exists to support the effectiveness of hybrid psychiatric care, defined as care delivered through a combination of telephone, videoconferencing, and in-person visits. The authors aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hybrid psychiatric care compared with outpatient waitlist groups, assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHOD: Participants were recruited from an adult psychiatry clinic waitlist on which the most common primary diagnoses were unipolar depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Patients (N=148) were randomly assigned to one of two waitlist groups that completed PROMs once or monthly before treatment initiation. PROMs were used to assess symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and daily psychological functioning (Brief Adjustment Scale-6 [BASE-6]). Patient measures were summarized descriptively with means, medians, and SDs and then compared by using the Kruskal-Wallis test; associated effect sizes were calculated. PROM scores for patients who received hybrid psychiatric treatment during a different period (N=272) were compared with scores of the waitlist groups. RESULTS: PROM assessments of patients who engaged in hybrid care indicated significant improvements in symptom severity compared with the waitlist groups, regardless of the number of PROMs completed while patients were on the waitlist. Between the hybrid care and waitlist groups, the effect size for the PHQ-9 score was moderate (d=0.66); effect sizes were small for the GAD-7 (d=0.46) and BASE-6 (d=0.45) scores. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate the clinical effectiveness of hybrid care and that PROMs can be used to assess this effectiveness.

Improving measurement-based care implementation in adult ambulatory psychiatry: a virtual focus group interview with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is an evidence-based practice shown to enhance patient care. Despite being efficacious, MBC is not commonly used in practice. While barriers and facilitators of MBC implementation have been described in the literature, the type of clinicians and populations studied vary widely, even within the same practice setting. The current study aims to improve MBC implementation in adult ambulatory psychiatry by conducting focus group interviews while utilizing a novel virtual brainwriting premortem method. METHODS: Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with clinicians (n = 18) and staff (n = 7) to identify their current attitudes, facilitators, and barriers of MBC implementation in their healthcare setting. Virtual video-conferencing software was used to conduct focus groups, and based on transcribed verbatin, emergent barriers/facilitators and four themes were identified. Mixed methods approach was utilized for this study. Specifically, qualitative data was aggregated and re-coded separately by three doctoral-level coders. Quantitative analyses were conducted from a follow-up questionnaire surveying clinician attitudes and satisfaction with MBC. RESULTS: The clinician and staff focus groups resulted in 291 and 91 unique codes, respectively. While clinicians identified a similar number of barriers (40.9%) and facilitators (44.3%), staff identified more barriers (67%) than facilitators (24.7%) for MBC. Four themes emerged from the analysis; (1) a description of current status/neutral opinion on MBC; (2) positive themes that include benefits of MBC, facilitators, enablers, or reasons on why they conduct MBC in their practice, (3) negative themes that include barriers or issues that hinder them from incorporating MBC into their practice, and (4) requests and suggestions for future MBC implementation. Both participant groups raised more negative themes highlighting critical challenges to MBC implementation than positive themes. The follow-up questionnaire regarding MBC attitudes showed the areas that clinicians emphasized the most and the least in their clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The virtual brainwriting premortem focus groups provided critical information on the shortcomings and strengths of MBC in adult ambulatory psychiatry. Our findings underscore implementation challenges in healthcare settings and provide insight for both research and clinical practice in mental health fields. The barriers and facilitators identified in this study can inform future training to increase sustainability and better integrate MBC with positive downstream outcomes in patient care.

Hand surgery and hand therapy clinical practice guideline for epidermolysis bullosa.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) causes blistering and scarring of the hands resulting in contractures fused web spaces and altered function. Surgery is needed to release contractures and web spaces and hand therapy is essential to maintain results, approaches for both differ. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: These guidelines aim to provide information on the surgical and conservative therapeutic hand management of children and adults diagnosed with EB. They are based on available evidence and expert consensus to assist hand surgeons and therapists in decision making, planning and treatment. They highlight the importance of a holistic multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, where patient priorities are paramount.

Dynamic stabilization of the painful thumb: A historical and evidence-informed synthesis.

STUDY DESIGN: Expert opinion INTRODUCTION: Thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC) osteoarthritis is a common condition seen in the hand therapy clinic. Prevalence is generally higher in females, and the percentage rises for post-menopausal females. Patients typically present with pain and functional difficulties. Conservative management is recommended before a surgical consult. Evidence is mounting that a dynamic stability modeled approach has a significant effect on pain and improving function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is two-fold: first, to present the history and development of a dynamic stabilization model for treatment of the patient with thumb CMC osteoarthritis (OA), and second, to provide expert clinical commentary and recommendations for the treatment of thumb CMC OA in light of the best available evidence. METHODS: Expert clinical commentary is based on an extensive review of relevant literature. RESULTS: The current literature and expert opinion supports an evidence-informed multimodal intervention: modalities, pain relief techniques, manual release, joint mobilizations as deemed necessary, neuromuscular re-education through proprioceptive exercises, and education in joint protection principles. CONCLUSION: A rationale for a dynamic stabilization approach is presented. The unique anatomy of the thumb deserves finely tuned care based on high quality research. To advance our knowledge and clinical skills we must not become stagnant, but continue to generate high level evidence. The standard for future thumb CMC OA studies should be well-defined intervention parameters, consistent documentation, and the use of appropriate patient-rated outcome measures.

Characterizing response to a dynamic stability modeled approach for thumb carpometacarpal joint pain: A retrospective study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. INTRODUCTION: Literature trends indicate that thumb dynamic stabilization may benefit clients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint pain and arthritis. There is minimal research investigating whether client characteristics predict responsiveness to hand therapy for thumb dynamic stabilization. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: 1) To investigate how adults with thumb CMC joint pain responded to a hand therapy dynamic stabilization modeled intervention. 2) To determine if various client factors influenced responsiveness and to what extent. METHODS: An electronic medical record search identified adults treated from August 2009 through December 2015 for thumb CMC joint pain. Radiographs were retrospectively staged. Outcome measures were 1) Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) total disability score and 2) Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Paired t-tests were performed to compare pre and post treatment measures. Multivariate analyses were used to investigate predictive factors. RESULTS: A total of 249 charts were analyzed. Large overall significant effects were noted for disability score (QuickDASH P <.001, X = 12.1, Cohen's d = 0.9). The average improvement of 2.1 (SD = 2.6) points exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.7 points on the NPRS pain scale. Significant predictors of QuickDASH Scores were radiographic staging, bilateral hand involvement and initial pain ratings. Significant predictors for change in pain scores (meeting or exceeding the minimal clinically important difference for the NPRS) were bilateral thumb involvement and initial "pain at worst" rating. CONCLUSION: After completing hand therapy with a dynamic stabilization approach, clients had less pain and disability. Those who had unilateral thumb pain, or those who started with higher pain levels were most likely to have clinically meaningful improvements in pain. Clients in early CMC osteoarthritis (OA) stages responded better than those in later stages, indicating that early referral to therapy is important.

Effects of COVID-19 on Patients in Adult Ambulatory Psychiatry: Using Patient-Rated Outcome Measures and Telemedicine.

Introduction: To examine the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on patients in an academic psychiatric ambulatory clinic, data from a measurement-based care (MBC) system were analyzed to evaluate impacts on psychiatric functioning in patients using telemedicine. Psychiatric functioning was evaluated for psychological distress (brief adjustment scale [BASE]-6), depression (patient health questionnaire [PHQ]-9), and anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder [GAD]-7), including initial alcohol (U.S. alcohol use disorders identification test) and substance use (drug abuse screening test-10) screening. Methods: This observational study included MBC data collected from November 2019 to March 2021. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were examined to determine changes in symptomatology over the course of treatment, as well as symptom changes resulting from the pandemic. Patients were included in analyses if they completed at least one PROM in the MBC system. Results: A total of 2,145 patients actively participated in the MBC system completing at least one PROM, with engagement ranging from 35.07% to 83.50% depending on demographic factors, where completion rates were significantly different for age, payor status, and diagnostic group. Average baseline scores for new patients varied for the GAD-7, PHQ-9, and BASE-6. Within-person improvements in mental health before and after the pandemic were statistically significant for anxiety, depression, and psychological adjustment. Discussion: MBC is a helpful tool in determining treatment progress for patients engaging in telemedicine. This study showed that patients who engaged in psychiatric services incorporating PROMs had improvements in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed exploring whether PROMs might serve as a protective or facilitative factor for those with mental illness during a crisis when in-person visits are not possible.

Thumb carpometacarpal palmar and radial abduction in adults with thumb carpometacarpal joint pain: Inter-rater reliability and precision of the inter-metacarpal distance method.

STUDY DESIGN: Psychometric study of inter-rater reliability. INTRODUCTION: Functional use of the thumb can be limited in individuals with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis(OA), especially in the presence of a thumb adduction contracture. Goniometry is a common method of assessing palmar and radial abduction of the thumb base and can be used as a method of determining effectiveness of an intervention for adduction contracture. However, goniometry for the assessment of these motions has been shown to have low to moderate reliability. The intermetacarpal distance (IMD) measurement method has been shown to be the most reliable for measuring CMC palmar abduction in individuals with healthy hands but has not been studied in persons with thumb CMC OA. PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability and precision of the inter-metacarpal distance method for measuring palmar and radial abduction in persons with symptoms of thumb CMC OA. METHODS: Two trained hand therapists utilized the IMD method to measure palmar and radial abduction in the affected hands of 22 subjects (28 thumbs) with a physician-confirmed diagnosis or positive provocative test consistent with a diagnosis of thumb CMC OA. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,2) was used to assess inter-rater reliability of the IMD method. To determine the precision of the measurements, the standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), and MDC percent were calculated. Findings were supplemented with descriptive data on the IMD values as well as descriptive data on the sample. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients for both radial and palmar abduction were found to be >.75, indicating excellent reliability. The precision of the IMD measurements were acceptable-to-excellent as evidenced by MDC% values of <30% and <10% for radial and palmar abduction respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We present a new method for measuring thumb radial abduction. The inter-metacarpal distance method has excellent inter-rater reliability and acceptable-to-excellent precision when measuring palmar and radial abduction in individuals with or suspected to have thumb CMC OA. Currently, it is the most reliable tool for measuring thumb abduction.

Conservative management of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: An Italian survey of current clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate expert opinion on the conservative treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A 21-item survey to determine the practice patterns of Italian hand therapists who treat arthritis of the CMC joint was developed and distributed through a professional online survey service to assure confidentiality and anonymity. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 80.8% were physical therapists; the remaining 19.2% were occupational therapists. 84.6% of the specialists who make decisions regarding patient pain management education. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability in the knowledge and practice patterns of Italian hand therapists relating to conservative management of thumb CMC OA.

Radiographic Analysis of Simulated First Dorsal Interosseous and Opponens Pollicis Loading Upon Thumb CMC Joint Subluxation: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: Therapy programs to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis may engage selective activation and reeducation of thenar muscles, particularly the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and opponens pollicis (OP) to reduce subluxation of the joint. We describe the effect of simulated selective activation of the FDI and OP muscles upon radiographic subluxation of the thumb CMC joint. METHODS: In a cadaver model of CMC subluxation, loads were applied to the FDI, the OP, and then concomitantly at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% maximal loads and radial subluxation of the joint and reduction in subluxation was measured. RESULTS: Selective activation of the OP, alone, improved the subluxation ratio (SR) in a dose-dependent manner. Selective activation of FDI, alone, demonstrated minimal effects on SR. Concomitant activation of OP and FDI improved the SR across all loading states, and activation of 75% and greater, when compared with FDI activation alone, resulted in a statistically significant improvement in SR to within 10% of the presubluxed joint. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant activation of the FDI and OP acts to reduce subluxation of the thumb CMC joint in a dose-dependent fashion. The OP is likely the predominant reducing force. Hand therapy programs that focus on selective strengthening programs likely function in part to encourage patients to activate the easily palpable and easily understood FDI. Concomitant coactivation of the OP may be the major reducing force to elicit clinical and radiographic reduction of subluxation, improved thumb positioning, and reduction of pain and arthritic symptoms.

Relationship of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale to commonly used clinical measures in hand osteoarthritis.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort correlation study. INTRODUCTION: There is no known published research on correlations between the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), hand grip strength, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) in a population with hand osteoarthritis (OA). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to establish reliability of the PSFS and to evaluate the relationship between the PSFS, hand grip strength, and the DASH for a population with hand OA. METHODS: Thirty-five participants in 4 hand clinics completed the PSFS, hand grip strength testing, and the DASH at the onset of therapy and at discharge. Eighteen participants enrolled at the primary investigator's site completed a baseline PSFS one week before the pretreatment collection with data used to establish relative and absolute reliability. Data were analyzed separately at pretreatment and posttreatment with Spearman's rho correlation (P < .05). Intraclass correlation (2, 1), standard error of the measurement, and minimum detectable change (MDC90 and MDC95) were calculated from the repeated baseline and pretreatment PSFS. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation for PSFS was (r = 0.80) with the standard error of the measurement = 0.56, MDC90 = 1.30, and MDC95 = 1.56. Small correlation between the PSFS and DASH scores was found pretreatment (ρ = -0.10) and change scores (ρ = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Excellent reliability with small measurement error has established clinical utility of the PSFS for the population with hand OA. These outcome measures were shown to measure different constructs and therefore should not be used interchangeably. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

First dorsal interosseous muscle contraction results in radiographic reduction of healthy thumb carpometacarpal joint.

INTRODUCTION: Hand therapists selectively strengthen the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) to stabilize arthritic joints yet the role of the FDI has not yet been radiographically validated. PURPOSE: To determine if FDI contraction reduces radial subluxation (RS) of the thumb metacarpal (MC). METHODS: Fluoroscopy was used to obtain true anterior-posterior radiographs of non-arthritic CMC joints: 1) at rest, 2) while stressed and 3) while stressed with maximal FDI contraction. Maximal FDI strength during CMC stress and thumb MC RS and trapezial articular width were measured. The ratio of RS to the articular width was calculated. RESULTS: Seventeen participants (5 male, 12 female) participated. Subluxation of a stressed CMC significantly reduced and the subluxation to articular width ratio significantly improved after FDI activation. CONCLUSIONS: Contraction of the FDI appears to radiographically reduce subluxation of the healthy thumb CMC joint. Further exploration on the FDI's reducibility and its carry-over effects in arthritic thumbs is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Current uses of botulinum toxin A as an adjunct to hand therapy interventions of hand conditions.

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. DISCUSSION: Botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin causing temporary muscle paralysis at the neuromuscular junction, has been used to treat multiple acquired conditions of the hand and upper extremity. Initially approved for use in treating blepharospasm and strabismus in the 1980s, indications have expanded to include spasticity associated with cerebrovascular accidents, vasospastic disorders, focal dystonias, and pain conditions. This article reviews the current literature discussing the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in management of disorders of the hand and upper extremity relevant to hand therapists. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Current practice patterns in conservative thumb CMC joint care: survey results.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive survey INTRODUCTION: Best practice for conservative clinical care pathways is not well outlined in the literature for patients with thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) pain. This self-report survey investigated the current practice patterns of assessments and conservative interventions for the painful thumb CMCJ among hand therapists. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). Questions were included about evaluation measures and intervention techniques used for this population. A descriptive analysis was completed of the results. RESULTS: A total of 23.5% of the ASHT membership responded to the survey. Results were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning and Disability domains as a framework. The survey results report varying use of evaluation measures, therapeutic interventions, including orthotic fabrication, joint protection and patient education all therapeutic interventional techniques, and modalities. CONCLUSION: Therapists use a comprehensive array of evaluation measures and interventions for body functions and structures in the care of thumb CMC pain. In contrast, more consistent use is needed of psychometrically-sound functional outcome measures that show change in activities and participation. This survey highlights areas to employ current evidence, as well as, future research should address environmental factors and personal factors for this population LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

The use of joint mobilization to improve clinical outcomes in hand therapy: a systematic review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. INTRODUCTION: Joint mobilizations are used as an intervention for improving range of motion, decreasing pain and ultimately improving function in patients with a wide variety of upper extremity diagnoses. However, there are only a limited number of studies describing this treatment for conditions affecting the elbow, wrist, and hand. Furthermore, it is unclear as to the most effective joint mobilization technique utilized and the most beneficial functional outcomes gained. PURPOSE: Examine the current evidence describing joint mobilizations for treatment of conditions of the elbow, wrist and hand, and offer informative practical clinical guidance. METHODS: Twenty-two studies dated between 1980 and 2011 were included in the systematic review for analysis. RESULTS: The current evidence provides moderate support for the inclusion of joint mobilizations in the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia (LE). In particular, mobilization with movement as described by Mulligan is supported with evidence from nine randomized clinical trials as an effective technique for the treatment of pain. Other described techniques include those known as Kaltenborn, Cyriax physical therapy, and Maitland, but the evidence for these techniques is limited. There is also limited evidence for the joint mobilizations in the treatment of wrist and hand conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature offers limited support for joint mobilizations of the wrist and hand, and moderate support for joint mobilizations of the elbow for LE. There is moderate support for mobilization with movement. .